SILVIA CONDE

SIL 1CH.89: If you were to categorize or describe the style of your artwork, what would it be and why?

SC: I like to think that my style is a bit dreamy, elegant and delicate. I like to capture reality in a way that others may not perceive it.

CH.89: Where do you draw your inspiration from?

SC: Traveling. Places I’ve been and people I’ve met. It’s my favorite thing to do when I feel uninspired.

CH.89: Can you talk a little bit about what your creative thought process is like when starting a new project/ piece of artwork?

SC: When doing commercial work, it all starts with a briefing. I usually talk to a creative director or editor, who shows me references in a moodboard. I’m not a fan of following them strictly. I need some freedom, that’s crucial to me. When doing a personal series, it’s always spontaneous.

CH.89: Is there anything in particular that you would want people to take from your artwork?

SC: I would like to move them. Maybe just by making them stare at a picture for a bit longer, because they have seen or felt something.

CH.89: Can you talk a little bit about your lifestyle as an artist and what that is like?

SIL 2SC: I don’t like to see myself as an artist. I’m a photographer, that’s my job. I work as a freelancer. When I’m not shooting, I’m scanning or editing. I also have to take care of e-mails, calls and paperwork. That’s the boring part.

CH.89: When starting out an artistic task, do you think it is better to have a particular direction/set plan guiding your way? Or, is it better to act on impulse and go from there?

SC: I like to be spontaneous. Still, it’s useful to have a previous idea, but I won’t get attached to it completely.

CH.89: What is one major lesson you’ve learned as an artist thus far?

SC: To value my work, both artistically and economically. I’m still learning it.

CH.89: Do you regard personal style & taste to be of highest importance?

SC: Yes, doubtlessly. There are so many talented people out there. Somehow you need to have your own language to be different and attract a public.

CH.89: What do you consider to be the hardest thing about being an artist?

SIL 3SC: For me, it was hard that people believed in me at the beginning, especially my family. It took a little bit of time for my parents to understand that this is what I wanted to do in life.

CH.89: What is one thing you love about being an artist?

SC: Working on my own at my own pace, I’d never change that.

CH.89: Is there anyone in particular, any artist’s that inspire you in any way?

SC: So many. When I was studying Photography, we had a course on the history of it. There were so many photographers I had never heard of before. It was mind-blowing. I also love cinema, I like the cinematography of old movies. I love European directors such as Bernardo Bertolucci, Wim Wenders and Éric Rohmer, among others.

CH.89: What do you think of technology in terms of being a useful tool for artists today?

SIL 4SC: Technology has made things easier for us. It has also made photography available to everyone. Recently I was traveling to Morocco and a kid saw that I was shooting with an old compact film camera. He looked at me surprised and showed me his phone and said, “Hey, my camera is better!”. It was funny. Yes, it might be technologically better, but I would never change it for my Olympus.

CH.89: Do you think being an artist allows you to view the world differently from those who don’t follow creative paths?

SC: Not necessarily. Everyone has a unique vision of the world. Some of us like or need to share that vision, others don’t.

CH.89: Do you enjoy traveling? If so, do you have a favorite city?

SC: I do. Lately, I’ve had a crush on Arabic countries.

CH.89: Do you have a favorite author or book?

1448561341787SC: Haruki Murakami. I’ve read so many of his novels. My favorite one so far is Kafka On The Beach. Right now I’m reading a book called Regards from the Dead Princess, by Kenizé Mourad. It’s fascinating.

CH.89: Any future goals or plans for your artwork?

SC: I would love to go around the world for one year, to photograph other places and different people.

CH.89: What does being an artist mean to you?

SC: It’s about working hard, having a goal, reaching it, and still keep going, little by little, with effort, continuously.

CH.89: What’s the last song you listened to?

SC: I’m listening to Compay Segundo.

CH.89: Any last words on the aesthetic of your artwork?

SC: Thank you for choosing me for your interview.

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